Queen Camilla reportedly told a friend that Meghan Markle had “brainwashed” Prince Harry during the early stages of tensions within the British royal family, according to claims made in a new book by author Tom Bower.
Bower alleges the remark was made shortly after Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. While the ceremony and honeymoon appeared celebratory, the author claims tensions were already building behind palace walls.
According to the book, relations deteriorated soon after the couple returned from their Mediterranean honeymoon. Bower claims a heated confrontation took place between Harry and his brother, Prince William, which reportedly escalated during a family dispute. During the alleged confrontation, Markle reportedly responded sharply to William when tensions rose.
She is quoted as saying: “If you don’t mind, get your finger out of my face.” Bower claims that following the dispute, Queen Camilla privately expressed frustration about the situation and told a friend that Markle had “brainwashed” Harry.
The author also alleges that William had previously warned his younger brother about moving too quickly in the relationship. According to the book, William told Harry: “It’s gone too quickly.”
Bower further claims that Catherine Princess of Wales shared concerns about the speed of the relationship and believed Harry might be particularly vulnerable to Markle’s influence. The book also suggests that Harry and Meghan felt frustrated by their position within the royal hierarchy, believing they would always remain secondary figures behind the direct heirs to the throne.
Tensions between the couple and the rest of the royal family eventually culminated in their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to the United States and began speaking publicly about their experiences within the monarchy. Their criticisms of royal life have included the widely viewed 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare.
Despite years of strained relations, reports suggest there may still be opportunities for reconciliation. One possibility mentioned in media reports is that Harry could invite his father, King Charles III, to open the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Meanwhile, Markle continues pursuing new business ventures following the end of a collaboration between her lifestyle brand As Ever and the streaming platform Netflix. Her team has stated that the brand will continue independently and is planning future projects and events.
